Neglected Floral Visitors in the Galapagos Islands: Understanding the Structure of Ant-Flower Interaction Networks

Abstract

Ant-flower interactions are prevalent in many ecosystems, yet their ecological significance remains poorly understood, particularly in isolated systems like the Galapagos Islands, where unique biotic assemblages create distinct interaction networks. To address this gap, we examined ant-flower interactions across five Galapagos Islands, focusing on the dynamics between non-native, native non-endemic and endemic plants. Through network analysis, we explored variations in the structure, strength and specificity of these interactions among islands, emphasizing differences between native and non-native species. Older islands, such as San Cristobal and Santa Cruz, exhibited higher interaction diversity and evenness, while smaller, more isolated islands like Santiago and Pinta showed more specialised and less connected networks. Non-native ants emerged as key species with the highest number of interactions, highlighting their expanding ecological role and the pressing need for conservation strategies addressing invasive species. These findings provide valuable insights into the ecological dynamics and vulnerabilities of ant-flower networks, informing biodiversity conservation efforts on oceanic islands.